On April 5th and 19th, 2025, millions of demonstrators flooded the streets chanting “Hands Off Our Democracy!” in cities across the United States, with London, Paris, and Berlin joining in solidarity.
50501, a grassroots organization of activists, began planning the Hands Off protests after the 2024 election in a united front against the conservative campaign, Project 2025. After Trump’s inauguration and the implementation of Project 2025’s policies, mass deportations and the dramatic reshaping of the federal government ensued. In response, the 50501 organization approached the problem with the slogan, “50 Protests, 50 States, One Day.” Partnering with the political organization, Political Revolution, both organizations began to launch protests around the nation challenging Elon Musk’s influence in the U.S. government, Trump’s administration’s withdrawal from international relations with our allies, tariff policies, defunding the Education Department, and lack of due process with deportations, including the most recent issue of the illegal and mistaken deportation of Kilmar Albrego Garcia and the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian refugee. Millions heard the organizations’ call to action and showed up with creative signs and banners in the fight for human rights and democracy.
Thousands of protesters arrived in Civic Plaza (Albuquerque, NM) on April 5th in cold conditions to protest Trump’s recent executive orders. The event lasted around two hours with well-known speakers such as Dolores Huerta, a well-known activist for the Chicano civil rights movement, talking about immigrant issues and Tim Keller, Albuquerque’s mayor, talking about education.
The protest in Daley Plaza (Chicago, IL) on April 19 was just as impactful with thousands of demonstrators showing up to march. Lawrence Benito, executive director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant Rights, spoke about immigrant and labor issues along with Chicago Teachers Union vice president Jackson Potter. He mentioned another protest scheduled for May 1, protesting immigrant rights and labor rights. After labor leaders spoke, the people began to march. The look on many faces was of strength and perseverance, and the power in each voice was reflected in the moment as people chanted, “Show us what democracy looks like. This is what democracy looks like!” and “Rise up! Fight back!”, another chant started by the marching crowd. Many offered apologetic smiles as they bumped into each other and reassuring glances, knowing everyone was there for the same reason: to give power back to the people.
One cannot forget the hand-made signs held by each protester and or the more creative ones strapped to a few dogs. Some held Ukrainian flags, and others carried signs calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Most were critical of Trump and his policies. Photographers stood on poles, taking a succession of pictures, as other bystanders recorded on the sidelines. The sheer size of the protest could excite any bystander watching the procession.
The first Hands Off protest on April 5, marked the largest day of protesting against Donald Trump’s administration in his second term with the second protest following suit. These protests are organized by 50501 and city volunteers, in collaboration with local police to ensure the security of the citizens, as there has yet to be any escalating conflicts. This is just the start, as more protests are scheduled for May 1, International Workers’ Day and beyond across the country.
Bring your mind, your sign, and your voice to the next protest on May 1st. If you want to find a protest close to you, visit https://www.mobilize.us/handsoff/. If you want to learn more about the organization 50501, visit https://www.fiftyfifty.one.
